International

United States: Volcanic Eruption Costs Millions In Lost Revenue

Cruise ships on May 22, 2018 canceled stops on Hawaii’s Big Island - home to 200,000 people - as a result of the devastating volcanic eruption that has been spewing lava and toxic gases across the island since May 3, 2018. Agency reports cited tourism authorities as saying Summer bookings for hotels on Hawaii’s Big Island have fallen by almost 50 per cent since the eruption began. The closure of the park has cost the island 166 million US Dollars (93 billion FCFA), the National Park Service said earlier this week. Lost revenue rises to 222 million US Dollars (124 billion FCFA) when some 2,000 jobs indirectly impacted by park tourists are included, a park report said.